Shock absorbing string post for sports rackets

Abstract

A damping device is disclosed for application to longitudinal strings of a string network used in sports rackets having a frame comprising a head, side portions and a throat section supporting the side portions. At least some of the longitudinal strings are directed toward and around a string post or anchoring member mounted within the throat section, wherein the turning around is in the plane of the string network. A damping device is positioned between the string post and a string seating member for the strings where the latter are turned around the post.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. In a sports racket having a frame defined by a top section, two opposed side portions, a throat or shank section and a handle, the improvement comprising: a string network having longitudinal strings and transverse cross strings defining a string network and wherein the axes of a portion of said longitudinal strings converge to a point within the handle, and   a string seating member secured to the frame adjacent the throat section, said portion of longitudinal strings being arranged to extend from the top section of the frame to and around said seating member and back to the top section wherein said portion of longitudinal strings extending unobstructed to and around said seating member is arranged approximately in the plane of said string network in approximately concentric circular arcs.   
     
     
       2. The sports racket defined in claim 1 wherein said portion of longitudinal strings comprise at least one-third of the total of said longitudinal strings. 
     
     
       3. The sports racket defined in claim 1 wherein said string seating member is formed with approximately concentric openings arranged in a plane generally coincident to the plane of the string network and into which said portion of longitudinal strings are positioned. 
     
     
       4. The sports racket defined in claim 1 wherein said string seating member includes a seat post secured to the side portions across the throat section, and a string contacting element positioned between said seat post and said portion of strings which extends around said seating member, said string contacting member being arranged in contact with said portion of longitudinal strings. 
     
     
       5. The sports racket defined in claim 4 including a damping member positioned between said seat post and said contacting element for damping vibrations induced upon said portion of strings upon impact thereof by a sports ball. 
     
     
       6. The sports racket defined in claim 5 wherein adhesive material is applied between said damping member and said contacting element. 
     
     
       7. The sports racket defined in claim 5 wherein adhesive material is applied between said damping member and said seat post. 
     
     
       8. The sports racket defined in claim 4 wherein said string contact element having two half sections separated at a plane coinciding with the plane of the string network with each half section accommodating about one half of the the strings extending around said string seating member.